509 Cultural Center

In the late 1990s, the 509 Cultural Center leased the alley abutting its Tenderloin neighborhood gallery and gradually transformed the derelict space into “The Tenderloin National Forest.” This outdoor space features murals, plantings, and stone walkways; plus it serves as a location for performances, art exhibits, and neighborhood social events. The project successfully engages low-income area participants through community meetings, where neighbors evaluate and select programming ideas for the space.